CCR(COMPUTER CONTROLLED

RAILROAD)

A Senior Capstone Project byBrice Hilgemann

Project DefinitionDesign and implement interfaces for the CCR that campus visitors can use to control trains.

TRACK IMAGE HERE

Project Requirements1. Allow PC control of the model railroad2. Consider multiple interfaces – PC, Mobile, WiFi3. Create easy-to-understand interfaces4. Provide continual feedback and logs5. Implement a simplified OS to handle multiple

trains and prevent collisions

Previous Projects• Strengths

▫ Powerful▫ Adaptable

• Weaknesses▫ AIU issues▫ Collision prevention▫ Organization

Initial Strategy• Get familiar with hardware• Review previous code and methods

▫ Understand previous project specifications and goals behind project

• Create simplified interfaces• Implement OS principles/strategies from CS370• Test and confirm reliability• Documentation!

Language Selection and Abilities

• C-Sharp and .NET Framework• Monitor object• Asynchronization communication and threading• Visuals (Form objects)• Event-driven• MSDN documentation and support

SolutionsClient/Server Design

Diagrams to Application

Protocol for CommunicationCMD FORMAT DESCRIPTION

[ 1 ] ; [ TRAIN ID ] Increase speed or up arrow issued[ 2 ] ; [ TRAIN ID ] Decrease speed or down arrow issued[ 3 ] ; [ TRAIN ID ] Stop train has been issued[ 4 ] ; [ TRAIN ID ] Direction forward has been issued[ 5 ] ; [ TRAIN ID ] Direction backward has been issued[ 6 ] ; [ TO # ] Toggle turnout has been issued

[ 7 ] ; [ TRAIN ID ] ; [ DIRECTION ] ; [ ORIENTATION ] ; [ COLOR ] ; [ TRACK ]

User wants to Add a train from the server – get basic information from form and call with protocol to add

[ 9 ] ; [ TRAIN ID ] Toggle light has been issued[ 10 ] ; [ TRAIN ID ] Toggle horn has been issued

CMD FORMAT DESCRIPTION[ 0 ] There are no trains available – disconnect[ 1 ] ; [ TRAIN ID ] ; [ SPEED ] ; [ DIRECTION ] ; [ LIGHT ] ; [ HORN ] ; [ BLOCKED ] ; [ TO_NEAREST ] ; [ NBR TOS ] ; [ TO# ST ]...

General update of train information sent from the server to the client to update images and status indicators

[ 2 ] Train has been deleted or client has been disconnected from server

[ 3 ] ; [ TRAIN ID ] ; [ NBR TOS] ; [ TO # ]... Beginning train information for setting labels

Protocol to Server

Protocol to Client

Behind the Scenes Structures

• Structures that hold ownership▫ Prevent collisions▫ Used in sending updates▫ Used for visuals▫ Monitors hold integrity

Turnout # Turnout State Turnout Owner4 top none8 bottom none

12 top none16 top none

Example: Turnout Structure

Exceptions• Real-time communication lapses• AIU processing

▫ Infrequent sensor misses• Derailments• Track shortages

Methodology• Rapid prototype development

▫ Scaffolding• Modularity and Flexibility• Back-up and make small changes• Create diagrams and flow charts• Document throughout development

DEMONSTRATION

(COMPUTER CONTROLLED RAILROAD)

Video as Backup

Strategies• MSDN Documentation

▫ Forums and sample programs• Other online resources and examples• Previous CCR Projects• Computer Science Faculty

▫ Assistance▫ Opinions

• Fellow CS Students• Trial and Error ???

CS Courses and ConceptsCSCI 220 – Data and file structures CSCI 225 – Byte processing and hardware conceptsCSCI 322 – Language constructsCSCI 350 – Event-driven functionsCSCI 370 – Mutual exclusion and OS concepts

Extensions• Create your own client• Bring application mobile with .NET Framework

and Windows Mobile

• Web application

• More adaptable to other tracks

or

Advice for Others• Start early

▫ Create realistic goals and a timeline…FAST• Focus on the big picture; don’t get stalled on

little problems• Communicate progress/ideas with CS faculty• Create a balance between working on project

and other aspirations (like finding a job)

• Make it fun!

Good Luck!

Questions?Comments?

Do you want more information?

Visit my site at http://compsci.snc.edu/cs460/hilgbs/